Wild Borders by Cheyenne McCray

ranchers about the illegal immigrant situation. Would you be free to chat with me?”
    A flicker of something passed across his features, but it was too brief for Lani to get a feel for what it might be. He shrugged and said, “You’re welcome to come on out to Sweetwater any time. Just give me a heads-up.”
    By the time she finally made her escape to grab something cold to drink, Lani had danced with a few men after John Stevens, as well as once with Trevor. Her face was warm, droplets of sweat trickled between her breasts, and the backs of her heels surely had blisters.
    Sal eased up to her as she ladled punch into her cup. “All danced out?”
    Lani laughed and sipped her punch. “I haven’t had this much fun in ages.”
    She agreed to one more dance, but when he led her to the floor, she realized the band was playing a slow tune. A twinge of nervousness gripped her stomach. It had been fine dancing to fast numbers, but being too close to any man made her uncomfortable.
    Any man but Rick , her thoughts amended, and then she immediately chastised herself. What was with that man, that she couldn’t get him out of her head?
    Fortunately, Sal held her at a respectable distance, one hand on her shoulder and one at her waist, with plenty of room between them. “I’m surprised Rick isn’t here,” Sal said as they moved across the floor.
    Lani shrugged, pretending it didn’t matter. “Apparently he had to work late. He’s probably too tired, anyway.”
    Sal winked. “I’d bet next month’s paycheck that nothing would stop him from coming, just knowing you’re here.”
    Blushing, she shook her head.
    Tingles erupted at the base of Lani’s neck. She cut her gaze to the doorway and caught her breath. Rick had his shoulder against the doorframe, his arms folded across his chest. His blue eyes were focused on her, his expression unreadable. He looked so good, dressed all in black from his western shirt and jeans to his boots and cowboy hat.
    Good enough to eat. Whole .
    Sal leaned close, and she forced herself to turn away to hear what he’d said. When she glanced back to the doorway, Rick was gone.
     

Chapter Six
    Fire simmered in Rick’s gut. He clenched his jaw as he watched Lani dancing with Sal, her face flushed and her eyes bright. Watched her smile and blush at something Sal said. She was obviously enjoying being with him. She’d barely been giving Rick the time of day, yet there she was, dancing too damn close to his friend.
    He’d studied Lani a while before she noticed him, and then their eyes locked. Until Sal said something in her ear.
    Even though Rick knew he wasn’t thinking clearly, at that moment he would’ve liked nothing better than to smash his fist into Sal’s jaw. With grim determination, he tossed his Stetson onto a hat rack, then moved through the dancers until he was behind Sal. Lani was looking to the doorway, where he’d been standing.
    He touched Sal’s shoulder, trying to not look like he was ready to kill him. His friend looked up and with a nod, let Rick cut in. Lani turned her gaze back from the door just as Rick replaced Sal, and her jaw dropped.
    “Rick,” she said, her eyes wide.
    “May I cut in?” he murmured, studying those incredible dark brown eyes. “Or do you prefer Sal’s company?”
    “No. I mean yes.” Lani shook her head and turned a pretty shade of pink. “Yes, I would like to dance with you, and no I don’t prefer Sal’s company.”
    “Good.” He smiled and eased his hands around her waist. “I’d hate to be out here all alone.”
    The song ended, but they remained at the center of the floor as a mellow tune began. Rick drew Lani to him, her head under his chin, her body close to his.
    She pulled away enough that she could look up at him. “I don’t know if this is a good idea.” Her voice was low and trembling.
    “Trust me.” Rick leaned close to whisper in her ear. “It’s a great idea.”
    She remained stiff in his embrace as they moved